The Importance of Water While Exercising

What happens if you don’t drink enough water?If you do not drink enough water, you dehydrate. Dehydration can lead to a decrease in physical activity performance and may adversely affect your health.

How much water should I drink?Remember it is important to drink water before, during, and after exercise. Exact amounts of water needed will vary from individual to individual (gender, exercise environment, type of exercise, and intensity of exercise are all factors).

Before: 17-20 oz. of water at least 2 hours prior to exercise

During: 7-10 oz. of water for every 10-20 minutes of exercise

After: 16-24 oz. of water for each pound lost due to sweating

What does water do for you?

60% of your total body weight is water

75% of your muscles is water

Assists in the regulation of internal body temperature

Protects and cushions vital organs

Aids the digestive system

How you can prevent dehydration?

Don’t wait until you are thirsty! Thirst is an early sign of dehydration and if you wait until you are thirsty, you have already begun to dehydrate.

Drink water before, during, and after exercise.

Bill Pec is a personal trainer located in Portland, Oregon. He offers one-on-one exclusive personal training out of his fully equipped studio.